PSG striker Neymar parties in Saint-Tropez after record move from Barcelona

Neymar can be part of another celebrated forward trident at Paris Saint-Germain according to former Brazil defender Alex.

He said: "There were three conditions: one, that the player didn't negotiate with another club before Jul. 31; two, that he publicly expressed his decision to fulfil his contract; and three, the payment was to be made on September 1, to ensure he didn't go to another club".

And reports last week suggested he had gone as far as telling Los Blancos he wanted to join them.

"I'm a footballer who loves to play with the ball and with the team, and risk making some skillful moves", he is quoted as saying by Fox Sports. "I really like Neymar too, but I really like Messi".

In addition to this, Barcelona have also believed to have joined the race in signing Mbappe this summer as the Catalan club are in the market to find Neymar's replacement. He doesn't play for himself or just to entertain the fans - he plays for his team. But the French league has yet to receive this from its Spanish counterparts and so can not register the Brazilian.

However, this could prove a relatively lengthy process.

The LFP also confirmed to the BBC that is was looking to get Federation Internationale de Football Association involved should the Spanish footballing authorities not comply.

Barcelona are undoubtedly still seething over the fact that PSG poached one of their prize possessions in Neymar, luring the Brazilian superstar away from the Nou Camp for a world-record £198 million.

Officially, the hold up has been caused by the transfer fee not yet appearing in Barcelona's bank account.

Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives explained their reasoning.

The RFEF are insistent that the transfer is proceeding as any other, but if that is the case, that is the only thing normal about a ground-breaking deal.

However, Neymar was still presented to the home crowd, several of whom had pithy customised PSG shirts cobbled up for the occasion...